Its name might be deliberately lowercase, but we’d use ALL CAPS to describe our enjoyment when we dropped by for dinner at mémoire, a newly opened restaurant in Ridgewood serving eclectic, seasonal cuisine.
Let’s start with the décor, because this is truly a beautiful space. Done up in gray and black tones with modern light fixtures, a large, inviting fireplace in the center of the room, and a giant crystal chandelier, you might find yourself double-checking with the hostess that you’re not at one of those velvet-rope joints in NYC’s Meatpacking District (don’t worry, she won’t give you attitude).
Then, of course, there’s the food, which is, in a word, spectacular! Restaurateur Thomas Finnelli made a name for himself with his popular catering business, TAF, and he continues his winning streak here with a truly seasonal menu featuring super-fresh ingredients that are purchased at market that day. That means you’ll rarely see the same dish twice. A shame, since our entrées—pan-roasted grouper (gluten-free!) with wild mushrooms, herbed white beans, and roasted potatoes ($25), and the braised pork shank with house-made pappardelle and roasted veggies ($24)—were both perfectly prepared and definitely worth going back again for. No worries, though. We eyed plenty more mouth-watering dishes coming out of the restaurant’s semi-open kitchen, including pan-seared duck breast with a black cherry reduction and pan-roasted skate brushed with lemon-caper brown butter.
And be sure to save room for dessert: the Ménage à Trois ($8), featuring a sumptuous trio of apple confections, it just might have you signing “Anastasia Steele” on your credit card receipt.
Dining Editor Carla Sullivan is the founder of MiniMunchers.com a family dining website in NYC and a mom of three kids. Photos by Nicole Nigro.
mémoire
16-18 Chestnut St., Ridgewood
201-857-8899
Serving lunch Friday-Sunday; Dinner Tuesday-Sunday.
Dining Editor Carla Sullivan enjoys.
